Samaritan: The Mitch Snyder Story

I knew Mitch Snyder pretty well before the big shelter on 2nd & D opened. There are limits on what can be presented in a "made for TV" movie. The TV version of Mitch Snyder was as cuddly as a teddy bear. Most TV characters are I suppose. The real Mitch was a bit more complex. He could be impossible and egotistical. He didn't respond well to 'feedback.' Since ending homelessness was his personal struggle, he pushed himself beyond his limits and encouraged those who worked with him to be equally dedicated. He wasn't mellow. He wasn't cuddly as a teddy bear. He was, however, extremely interesting. More important, he did more to bring homeless awareness to the forefront of the national conscience than any other person or organization.

If anyone wants to know more about M. Snyder and the early CCNV, see if you can dig up a wonderful CBS documentary (narrated by Martin Sheehan) called "Promises to Keep." It reveals more about CCNV's struggles than "Samaritan." It also provides accurate glimpses into M. Snyder's character.